angelo's design blog

All designers would love to have a good portfolio. There are multiple ways in which we can go about crafting the perfect portfolios we desire. It all depends on what we have in mind as our ultimate goal. To whom do we want our portfolios to speak? Or who would we like to have admiring our work? Once we can figure out these important questions we can do some of the things to help us create that beautiful work of art. Three of the many ways in which we can help fashion our portfolios to be highly coveted are by focusing on specific areas, by getting relevant feedback and by exposing ourselves to as many things we can.

We all have preferences in the design world. Some of us like to work on logos and hate web design, while some of us hate logos but love to create newsletters. The options are endless in terms of the topics we prefer. In order to obtain more work in specialised areas, we need to first prove that our abilities are more than capable. For example, if we would like to become renowned logo designers then our solution is to create as many great logos as we can. Here both quality and quantity play a part. Sometimes all it takes is one lucky break. However, sometimes one good logo may not give clients enough faith to design theirs. Additionally, if we aren’t getting the opportunities we need to show ourselves, then we have to refer to concept work. If we come up with our own concepts we have full freedom in the design process and will ultimately showcase our intended vision. If we can create enough good work, concept or real life, we will be equipped with what we need in order to secure a place in our anticipated specific areas.

Equally as important, none of us are born knowing everything. There have been many people who have walked upon the path before we have, even if it is the road that is less travelled. Receiving feedback from those most relevant to the specific area we would like to break into can be immense help. Whether it is a parent, a professor or even a celebrity, as long as the feedback is relevant and honest it will go a long way. Feedback from our colleagues can be just as relevant. Let’s lose the arrogance that many of us have and be open to constructive criticism and new ideas. It not only enhances our design ability, it also builds our characters.

There are many ways in which we can expose ourselves. If we can learn as much as we can, we can put our theories into action in order to distinguish ourselves. One of the most useful, fun, and exhausting ways in which we can expose ourselves to new concepts and ideas is by going to art and design shows and festivals. Here, we have an opportunity to see the workings of so many individuals. Through their work and talking with the artists we come to know of their processes, inspirations, and many other contributing factors which will help refine our own styles. Learning from well-experienced people is one way in which we can learn. Reading is another tremendous way for us to acquire mass amounts of knowledge so that we may use it to our advantage. So is listening. And so is touching. We learn a great deal from our environment. Once we add our own touch of originality to what we have learnt, there’s no stopping us. If we often put ourselves in environments better suited for designers, as well as observe and learn from other environments, what we create can be exceptionally original.

In the aim of compiling a great portfolio we need to keep our goals in mind. As with any other road in life, it is not an easy one. However, once we can prioritise and discipline ourselves enough to be able to do what it takes to shine, our portfolios will do the talking for us.